Final answer:
Pi (π) is greater than 3.14 as it is an infinite decimal starting with 3.14159... However, for practical applications, approximations like 3.14 are often sufficient when precision to only a few decimal places is needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the numbers 3.14 and π (pi), it's important to recognize that π is a mathematical constant representing the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. While π is commonly approximated as 3.14, the true value of π extends infinitely beyond the decimal point, and it begins with 3.14159... Therefore, π is greater than 3.14.
In practical terms, however, when we consider the significance of decimal places in real-world calculations, often times only a few decimal places are needed for a sufficient approximation. For instance, if calculating the area of a circle with a radius of 1.2 meters, using π to more decimal places (e.g., 3.1415927...) may give you a technically accurate number like 4.5238934 square meters, but with regard to significant figures and the precision needed, it would be adequate to simplify this to 4.5 square meters.